The Great Lover (1920)

Ethel Warren returns from studying in Europe to make her debut in New York with the opera company in which Jean Paurel, world-famous baritone, is the star. Carlo Sonino, also a member of the company, falls in love with Ethel and warns her against becoming infatuated with the amorous singer. Paurel becomes enchanted with Ethel, arousing the jealousy of the company's prima donna, Sabotini. When, after the first act, Ethel hears that Paurel has suffered an attack of the throat, she rushes backstage. Carlo, urged by Sabotini, follows and makes a scene, whereupon Ethel indignantly announces her engagement to Paurel. Paurel is unable to perform in the second act, and Carlo, taking his place, is vaulted to stardom. After Paurel is diagnosed as never being able to sing again, Bianca, a retired singer and Paurel's first love, reveals that Carlo is their son and pleads with the singer to give up Ethel for the boy's sake. After much soul-searching, Paurel refutes his selfish ways and agrees, thus freeing Ethel from her pledge to marry him.